Sea & Sea YS-D3 DUO Strobe

Sea & Sea YS-D3 DUO Strobe

The Sea & Sea YS-D3 DUO Strobe is a high-specification underwater strobe with three shooting modes: DS-TTL, RC mode, and manual. The DUO delivers even and uniform light distribution with a large light output of GN33. Custom settings allow the strobe to be used with high precision with a variety of cameras and shooting styles.

Shooting Mode

The mode switch can be used to switch between “DS-TTL”, “RC mode”, and “Manual”. It is conveniently identifiable by colour.

Highly accurate DS-TTL dimming

DS-TTL dimming accuracy has been greatly improved by adopting a newly designed light receiving sensor. By applying detailed custom settings, it can be used with high accuracy with a wide variety of cameras of multiple brands.

Highly accurate DS-TTL dimming

The “RC System” is a flash system for OM SYSTEM digital cameras, and the YS-D3 DUO was developed in collaboration with OM Digital Solutions to incorporate the RC mode.RC mode is a light control mode in which the camera automatically controls the flash output based on the brightness through the lens. The YS-D3 DUO is equipped with a more precise “RC mode” that was developed based on system information officially provided by OM Digital Solutions. The YS-D3 DUO is equipped with a more precise “RC mode” developed based on the system information officially provided by OM Digital Solutions.

Manual mode has 11 steps

In manual mode, light intensity can be adjusted in 11 steps. The settings are (GN: 1 / 1.4 / 2 / 2.8 / 4 / 5.6 / 8 / 11 / 16 / 22 / 33). The value can be easily seen on the scale on the light intensity adjustment dial. Compatible with digital cameras that do not have a pre-flash function.The YS-D3 DUO can be set up with high precision to accommodate a variety of shooting styles with different cameras by making custom settings. Refer to the table for settings according to the shooting mode used and the method of synchronizing the camera and strobe.When shooting in RC mode with an OM SYSTEMS (OLYMPUS) camera, no custom settings are required. Select “RC mode shooting” in the flash mode setting on the camera side; YS-D3 DUO should be set to “RC” for shooting mode.

Light Source

This is a high-performance strobe that pursues quality of light, and its high luminous flux and wide beam angle are effective for wide-angle photography with fish-eye lenses and other wide-angle lenses. The strobe also features our proprietary light distribution technology.The light output has a guide number (GN) of 33, one of the highest among general-purpose underwater strobes. The use of two discharge tubes increases power and achieves GN 33 at full flashing.The originally developed “aspherical toroidal lens” is placed in front of the light-emitting tube, and the two discharge tubes and the “aspherical toroidal lens” provide uniform and even light distribution to the periphery, making it an ideal light source for external illumination.The beam angle is 80°×105° without the diffuser and 100°×110° with the included diffuser for soft lighting.
When the optional dome diffuser is attached, the beam angle increases to 150°×170°. The dome diffuser is effective when using a fisheye lens or when lighting with soft light (guide number is reduced by approximately -1.5 EV).

Operability

We placed particular emphasis on ease of use, especially underwater handling. The more you use it, the more you will appreciate its easy-to-turn dial, easy-to-see panel display, and good underwater balance. Underwater operation is performed with the mode switch and light intensity control dial. The large dials are non-slip and the height difference allows smooth operation even when wearing thick gloves. It is designed to stop in steps with a click-click to minimize malfunctions. The indicator color changes each time the mode switch is repositioned. Blue (in DS-TTLII mode), red (in RC mode), yellow (in manual mode with pre-flash), and green (in manual mode without pre-flash) are the different colors for identification, so positioning of the controls is easy to see even when night diving.

Underwater Balance

YS-D3 DUO has almost zero buoyancy with the ball mount and clamp in place. Heavy underwater weight requires unexpected force to operate the clamp. But, the YS-D3 DUO is unaffected by buoyancy, so operation is smooth. Even if you change the strobe position, the underwater balance of the entire housing set does not change significantly. You can feel how easy it is to handle. The LED target light function is useful for focusing and checking the beam angle of the strobe. Choose either 300 lumens or 150 lumens depending on the situation.A straight type ball base is included, but the YS Mount Strobe Adaptor or Strobe Ball Base 35 can be attached as an option depending on the application.

One-touch battery replacement

The power source is AA batteries, which are widely distributed in general. Four of the same type (1.5V alkaline AA batteries and 1.2V nickel-hydrogen AA batteries). The battery box is opened and closed by a bayonet type that does not put a burden on the O-ring. It is a one-touch operation and does not require force like the screw-in type.

Specifications

• [Guide Number] : 33, 28 (with Diffuser attached)
• [Beam Angle] : 80°x105° (without Diffuser), 100°x110°(with Diffuser)
• [Usable Batteries] : 4xAA A: 6V Ni-MH: 4.8V
• [Number of Flashes *1] : A: 140 Ni-MH: 220
• [Recycle time (full) *2] : A: 3.5 sec. Ni-MH: 1.7 sec.
• [Color temperature] : 5800K (w/diffuser 5500K)
• [Depth rating] : 100m / 330ft
• [Dimensions (WxHxD)] : 92x111x147mm / 3.6 x 4.4 x 5.8 inches (excluding ball base)
• [Weight] : 610g / 21.5oz (w/o batteries) (excluding ball base)
• [Underwater weight] : Approx.-20g / -0.7oz (incl. batteries ball base)
• [Others]
  Exposure control: DS-TTL II, Light level control dial (GN): 1 / 1.4 / 2 / 2.8 /4 / 5.6 /8 / 11 / 16 / 22 / 33 (11 steps)
  Pre-flash cancel function
  Auto power OFF function
  Sync cord: 5-pin Sync cord/N, Fiber-Optic Cable
  Over-pressure relief valve
  LED target light (output is adjustable in 2 steps [300lumen/150lumen])
  Audible charge signal
• ［Set Items］ Ball Mount Strobe Adaptor、Diffuser、Slicon grease

Buy Sea & Sea Underwater Strobes, Underwater Camera Housings, Sync Cords and Accessories. Online in Canada from Dan’s Dive Shop, a Top Stocking Sea & Sea Dealer.